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Information and communication technology plays a critical role in almost every operational and management aspect of the United Nations system (see also paras. 24 and 25 above on knowledge-sharing). In 2004, CEB adopted the United Nations system ICT strategic framework to strengthen system-wide coordination of this critical area. Inter-agency cooperation to implement the strategy in 2005 and 2006 has centred on its eight priority initiatives directed at enhancing system-wide knowledge-sharing, establishing sourcing models for ICT and creating more effective ICT governance and business case models. One of these initiatives, to create a system-wide interconnected network, would reduce duplication and allow for organizations to interact more easily, with advantages that include cost savings through shared communication and implementation capabilities, as well as shared technical expertise that one network across agencies would bring. In addition, in support of management reforms, the United Nations system is working to explore ways that agencies can share the costs associated with implementing enterprise resource planning software.

In another initiative, HLCM’s directors have joined together to define and document a standard ICT investment governance framework based on industry best practice. This initiative provides a common measure for weighing organizational requirements against competing resources. These and other initiatives allow the ICT community to continue to move towards a more cohesive technological environment that is fully aligned with the operational and management goals of the entire system.